Velocity (TV channel)

Velocity
Launched	June 1, 2002 (as Discovery HD Theater) September 22, 2007 (as HD Theater) October 4, 2011 (as Velocity)
Owned by	Discovery Communications, Inc.
Picture format	1080i (HDTV)
Headquarters	Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Formerly called	Discovery HD Theater (2002–2007) HD Theater (2007-2011)
Sister channel(s)	Animal Planet Discovery Channel Discovery en Español Discovery Familia Discovery Fit & Health Investigation Discovery Military Channel Planet Green Science TLC
Website	http://velocity.discovery.com
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV (US)	Channel 281
DirecTV (Latin America)	Channels 773 and 1005
Dish Network (US)	Channels 186, 364, 9421
Dish Network Mexico	Channel 950
C-Band	AMC-11 Channel 617 (4DTV Digital)
Cable
Available on many cable systems	Check local listings for channels.
Verizon FiOS	Channel 631
IPTV
AT&T Uverse	Channel 1102

Velocity (formerly HD Theater, and originally Discovery HD Theater) is an American high-definition, commercial-based, cable- and satellite-television channel owned by Discovery Communications. The channel specializes in nonfictional high-definition programming, focusing on expensive cars, sports related shows, and other programming targeted at men ages 25–54.

History

The channel launched nationwide in the United States on June 1, 2002,^{[citation needed]} as Discovery HD Theater and is now the most widely distributed basic-cable HD channel in the U.S.^{[citation needed]} The channel was rebranded to HD Theater on September 22, 2007, because Discovery Communications launched HD simulcasts of some of its other channels including Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Science and TLC.^{[citation needed]} HD Theater has been a pioneer in development of programming specifically oriented to the HD format.^{[citation needed]}

Rebrand

On October 4, 2011, HD Theater was rebranded as Velocity, to more naturally fit its increased focus on programming involving high-end automobiles, sports shows, and other male targeted programming. ^{[1] [2]}

The rebrand affects the US feed only; in Latin America, HD Theater continues unchanged as of October 2011.

Programming

1,000 Places to See Before You Die American Chopper Cafe Racer Chasing Classic Cars City Slickers Corwin's Quest Destination HD* Extreme Engineering Golf Escapes HD Getaways* HD Traveler* Inside West Coast Customs Mecum Auto Auctions* Mighty Ships

One Six Right: The Romance of Flying Paris 2010: The Great Flood Planet Earth Rides Rogue Nature What's My Car Worth? West Coast Customs* West Coast Customs: Berlin* Sunrise Earth Wheeler Dealers

In addition, numerous specials have been produced for the channel, along with airing many that have already premiered on the Discovery Channel (for example, Motorcycle Mania 3: Jesse James Rides Again).

Former logos

• 

  First logo, 2002–2007

• 

  Second logo, 2007–2011

References

1. ^ TCA: Discovery Sets Launch Date For Velocity, Adds Big Names to 'Curiosity', Preps Science Channel's 'Trek Nation', Introduces 'Weed' Team Deadline July 29, 2011
2. ^ Velocity launch announcement